Systems and Methods for Communicating Documents Via an Autonomous Multiple-Function Peripheral Device

• US 20100315683A1
• Filed: 08/22/2010
• Published: 12/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xpedite Systems LLC (Open Text Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Xpedite Systems LLC (Open Text Corporation)
• Inventors: Braun, Joachim, Kamens, Samuel Nathan, Toscano, Francis
• Granted Patent: US 8,116,303 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 358/1.15
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/066 Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/08 Annexed information, e.g. attachments
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/48 Message addressing, e.g. address format or anonymous messages, aliases
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00212 Attaching image data to computer messages, e.g. to e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00214 details of transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00217 only involving computer data transmission protocols, e.g. SMTP, WAP or HTTP communication protocol aspects and techniques in packet data networks H04L69/00; network-specific arrangements or communication protocols supporting networked applications H04L67/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0022 involving facsimile protocols or a combination of facsimile protocols and computer data transmission protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00312 with a digital transmission apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, SMS or ISDN device transmitting or receiving via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network or the internet H04N1/00214; transmission of digital information H04L
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0094 Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception

Abstract

A multiple-function peripheral device includes a packet-switched network interface and an autonomous application programming interface. The application programming interface requests image information from a remote server via the packet-switched network interface in a first mode of operation. The application programming interface sends image information to a remote device via the packet-switched network interface in a second mode of operation.

Claims

1. A multiple-function peripheral device, comprising:

a packet-switched network interface communicatively coupled to a translator via a data network; and

an autonomous application programming interface configured to request image information from a remote server via the packet-switched network interface in a first mode of operation.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the autonomous application programming interface is associated with an identifier that uniquely identifies the multiple-function peripheral device.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the identifier comprises a media access control address.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the identifier comprises a combination of the media access control address and an Internet protocol address.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the multiple-function peripheral device generates a printed representation of received image information from the remote server absent a local computing device.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the application programming interface is configured to send image information to a remote device via the packet-switched network interface in a second mode of operation.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the autonomous application programming interface communicates a destination phone number.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the autonomous application programming interface communicates a source identifier associated with the multiple-function peripheral.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein the autonomous application programming interface communicates user information.

10. A method for processing documents, comprising:

associating a first destination identifier with a multiple-function peripheral device coupled to a data network;

receiving a facsimile format message intended for the multiple-function peripheral device as defined by the first destination identifier;

storing the facsimile format message; and

upon receipt of a request from the multiple-function peripheral device, communicating the facsimile format message via commands in hypertext transfer protocol.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

identifying a second destination identifier associated with an information recording feature;

forwarding the facsimile format message intended for the multiple-function device to the second destination.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein communicating comprises the generation of extensible markup language commands.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein communicating comprises the transfer of commands via a secure sockets layer.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein communicating comprises the transfer of a stream of information compatible with a printer command language.

15. A method for processing documents, comprising:

registering a user of a multiple-function peripheral device;

associating the user with a first identifier that uniquely identifies the multiple-function peripheral device on a data network;

accepting image information via commands in hypertext transfer protocol from the multiple-function peripheral device;

converting the image information into a facsimile format message; and

communicating the facsimile format message.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein registering a user comprises receiving a username and a password.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein associating the user comprises recording a media access control address.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein accepting image information comprises using a secure sockets layer.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

identifying a second destination identifier associated with an information recording feature;

forwarding the facsimile format message to the second destination.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

preparing a custom cover page including one or more of the second destination identifier, a provider name, a date, a time, a number of pages in the facsimile format message and a subject message comprising the name of the user; and

concatenating the facsimile format message to the custom cover page.